Tailgating Through the SEC

Kathy Miller has traveled to all 14 SEC schools, capturing tailgating experiences at each school. She has gathered recipes from fans and alumni, taken hundreds of photographs of tailgates and landmark buildings and explored the special traditions celebrated at these schools. Traveling to a rival’s away game is a must for any SEC loving fan!

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating in The Grove – University of Mississippi

Ole Miss fans take tailgating to a whole new level. The Grove is a 10-acre, tree-filled green space nestled between the university and Oxford, MS. No cars are allowed, just people and miles of red, white and blue tents. Elaborate table settings with crystal chandeliers, fabric-draped tables and silver serving pieces set with an array of beautiful food are the norm here in Oxford. The Hotty Toddy is their cheer, and even the portalets are luxury mobile toilets, named Hotty Toddy Potty and Hotty Toddy Potty Too.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating at Toomer’s Corner – Auburn University

Auburn is famous for toliet papering the two oak trees at Toomer’s Corner after a victory. Unfortunately, the trees were poisoned by an Alabama fan after the Tigers dismantled the Tide. Now, the trees have been replaced waiting for Fall 2016 to renew the rolling of the trees tradition. Toomer’s Drugs is the “corner drugstore,” famous for its fresh squeezed lemonade, and you can be sure that all tailgates include some form of lemonade or dessert with a lemonade twist.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating in The Ozarks – University of Arkansas

With a team named Razorbacks, one must assume the only BBQ meat served at most tailgates is pork, pork and more pork. Coveted tailgating spots include The Pit, right next to the stadium, and The Gardens, a green-filled area close by the stadium. Fans sporting Razorback hats partake in calling the Hogs, “Woooooo, Pig Sooie,” and hit the famous Dickson Street apres game for more rollicking revelry.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating in The Swamp – University of Florida

Shade is at a premium for Florida tailGATORS. Every oak tree on campus has tailgating tents sitting beneath. Blackened Gator tail, boiled shrimp and anything with Florida oranges are the go-to foods. Hot, humid fall Saturdays make for some miserable games for the visiting team … that and the thousands of fans “Gator Chomping.” Florida children learn early how to place their hands just right and CHOMP. The marching band plays a two-note music sequence from “Jaws” and everyone chomps their hands together. The Chomp is a syncopation thing and the fans do it very well … and they do it all game long.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating on The Bayou – Louisiana State University

Tailgating in Baton Rouge is all about the food … and not just the usual barbecue, hammies and slaw. Think Cajun, Creole and French as in “Geaux Tigers.” Louisiana cuisine, i.e. muffalettas, crawfish, blackened alligator, and boudin are as unique as they come. Jambalayas, gumbos and picadillo, which are all defined by the Cajun holy trinity — onions, green peppers and celery — make for some seriously fun tailgating stirs!

Photo By: Rick Dole & Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Tailgating at The Junction – Mississippi State University

The place to tailgate on a football Saturday in Starkville, MS, is The Junction, a once “Malfunction” Junction of roads and railroad tracks. And then, there are the Cowbells. Cowbells are highly coveted and handed down through generations of MSU fans. These cowbells are used to help ring MSU to victory and sit proudly on tailgating tables across campus.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating in Aggieland – Texas A&M University

The stadium in College Station is famous for the “WELCOME TO AGGIELAND, HOME OF THE 12TH MAN” signs that sprawl across the bleachers. The 12th man being the students of today and alumni of the past. Aggies don’t have cheerleaders. They have Yell Leaders, and boy do they YELL! One of their best tailgating / pregame traditions is the Midnight Yell. Every midnight before a home game, students, the band and the yell leaders fill the student side of the stadium for a spirited and raucous pep rally. And don’t forget to try the preferred food at Texas A&M tailgates — the brisket — which is out of this world.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating on The Quad – University of Alabama

On football Saturdays, The Quad is home to hundreds of tents, fans, good food, drink and lots of fun. Fans bring their BBQ and all the fixings by wagon loads: No cars allowed! The Quad is a large 22-acre green space at the heart of the University of Alabama’s campus. “The Million Dollar Band” plays from the library steps on The Quad, pumping up the crowd before marching to the stadium. Cries of “Roll Tide” can be heard all over campus accompanying the march.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating With The Vol Navy – University of Tennessee

When you talk about tailgating at Tennessee, you have to talk about the Vol Navy. Seeing hundreds of boats making their way up the Tennessee River to dock right outside the stadium is a sight every fan should experience at least once in their lifetime. Once inside the stadium, the orange and white checkerboard in each end zone makes Neyland Stadium one of the most recognizable stadiums in the country. Nothing says football fun more than 102,000 fans singing Rocky Top!

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating at The Zou – University of Missouri

The Zou refers to the Mizzou stadium with its famous “M” formed by white painted rocks. On gamedays, Truman The Tiger can be seen exploding on the scene in a yellow and black vintage fire truck. Missouri tailgates always include a simple, yet delicious gooey butter cake — and pans of the cake can be found on all tailgating tables across campus. Another favorite amongst Missouri fans is the layered cheddar bean dip — usually created with the Missouri “M” made using black olives.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating With The Dawgs – University of Georgia

On gamedays, the North Campus with its iconic black iron arch brings the Red and Black Seas to mind. Literally, a sea of red and black tents crowd the lawns between the university’s stately buildings. Georgia tailgaters spread out all over campus, firing up their grills, sipping Georgia Peaches and barking whenever they spot an UGA lookalike, the famous English Bulldog school mascot.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating on The Cockaboose Railroad – University of South Carolina

South Carolina offers up one of the most unique tailgating experiences in all of college sports. All schools have their tents, RVs, special traditions and even some have boats. South Carolina however, has the “Cockaboose Railroad.” On gamedays, the Cockaboose Railroad is comprised of 22 garnet-painted cabooses sitting on dead tracks right outside the stadium, uniquely decorated by their owners and full of rowdy fans, tasty food and delicious drinks.

Photo By: Richard Cummins / Getty Images

Tailgating in Bluegrass Country – University of Kentucky

Tailgating in Lexington, KY, has a nice twist to it … at least during the 3 weeks in the fall, when fans can place a few bets at Keeneland Race Course and then go to a football game in Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky tailgating centers around its legendary foods. Kentucky Burgoo, Baby Hot Browns and many other specialties with a little Kentucky bourbon added to the mix are on the top of that list. Run For The Roses Pie, a bourbon-laced party pie, and the famous mint julep are also a big hit when it comes to gameday treats.

Photo By: Kathy Miller

Tailgating in Vandyville – Vanderbilt University

The Natchez Trace is closed to car traffic on gamedays to create Vandyville, a tailgating mecca of tents, tailgaters and fun. In the fall, shimmering gold trees line Vandyville reminding all of the gold and black school colors. After the game has been played — win or lose — the fun continues as many fans hit a few Nashville music row bars to keep the tailgate going all night.

THANKS TO GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY FOR THE COLLABORATION! CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON THEIR SITE.